Men without Chests: Rediscovering the Heart of Virtue

As we navigate a world teeming with knowledge but starved of passion, the Cross and  Cup Podcast invites you on a transformative exploration of what it truly means to cherish virtue. Drawing inspiration from CS Lewis's "The Abolition of Man," we tackle the crisis of "men without chests" – individuals who recognize but fail to love goodness – and how this reflects a broader spiritual void. The discussion delves into the biblical perspective of the heart as the nexus of our deepest desires and affections, emphasizing the critical need for our hearts to resonate with God's love. This illuminating episode promises to reveal not just the importance of intellectual assent to virtue but the profound joy and necessity of embracing it wholeheartedly.

Venturing beyond mere acknowledgment, we outline actionable steps to cultivate a genuine love for goodness that defines and directs our lives. Together, we'll explore practices such as prayer, immersion in scripture, and the pursuit of virtuous community and role models. These disciplines promise to guide your heart toward the pure love of what is good, as exemplified by Christ's transformative love. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that aspires to inspire and equip you to live a life that is not just informed by virtue but impassioned by it – a life that mirrors the very heart of God.

Chapters

• 0:36 Cultivating a Heart for Goodness
• 14:20 Cultivating a Heart for Goodness

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:36

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Crossing Cup Podcast. I'm your host, jm, and today we're diving into a deeply resonant topic inspired by a quote from CS Lewis. We make men without chests and expect from them the virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. Cs Lewis from Abolition of man Creatures who know the good but have no love or affection for it and so instead, are crafty and self-indulgent.

Speaker 1: 1:03

Before we begin today, let's start with a word of prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hearts and minds, seeking your wisdom and guidance as we explore the meaning of love, meaning of loving what is good. We ask you that you transform our hearts to align with your will, help us to not only know what is right, but to deeply cherish and pursue in our daily lives. May your spirit guide our thoughts and actions as we delve into this important topic. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen, alright, so let's get started.

Speaker 1: 1:35

Well, first of all, before we get started, I want to apologize for the last episode that was released. That was an AI voice. That was not me. That was a test that I was running. My throat was not working too well for that week and I really wanted to release that episode. I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments on it. Um, if you uh, you know, uh, review it and let me know what you think. Uh, all the information reach me is in our website at wwwthecrossroadscollectiveorg, and you can reach out there and let me know what you thought. Um, it's different, it it was strange, but I think it went pretty well. But anyway, I'm back to myself. This is me, not an AI voice. This is really me, jm. So all right, so let's get to it.

Speaker 1: 2:29

So, the crisis of the modern soul. So CS Lewis paints a vivid picture of a modern crisis, not of intellect, but of the heart. When he speaks of men without chests, he's referring to people who possess knowledge of what is good and yet lack the emotional connection to it. They are aware of virtue but fail to love it. This disconnection leads to a life driven by craftiness, self-indulgence, rather than by genuine goodness. Lewis' critique is strikingly relevant today.

Speaker 1: 2:56

We live in an age where information is abundant. We have access to vast amounts of knowledge at our fingertips, yet there seems to be a growing gap between what we know and how we live. We see it in ethical scandals, the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of the common good and a general sense of discontentment that just pervades society today. Now let's think about the numerous scandals we hear about in the news corporate greed, political corruption, moral failures. And these are often not due to the lack of knowledge, but a lack of heartfelt conviction and a love for what is good. It's not enough to know the right thing, we must also love it and be committed to living it out.

Speaker 1: 3:37

You know, the heart is the seat of affection. In biblical terms, the heart is more than just a physical organ. It is the seat of our affections, desires and motivations. Proverbs 4.23 tells us Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. The heart is central to our spiritual and moral lives. When our hearts are aligned with the love of God, our actions naturally follow suit. Without this alignment, our knowledge of what is good becomes hollow and ineffective. This scriptural insight underscores the importance of the heart in guiding our actions. The heart influences everything we do our thoughts, words, deeds. When the heart is rightly ordered, our lives reflect the inner harmony. Conversely, when the heart is just distorted or disordered, our lives can become chaotic and self-centered. You know.

Speaker 1: 4:28

The Bible calls to love what is good. The Bible is rich with exhortations to not only know what is good, but to love and pursue it passionately. Romans 12, 9 encourages encourages. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, citing to what is or clinging to what is good. This verse calls us to deep, sincere love for goodness, a love that transforms knowledge into action. You know, in contracts. Second timothy 3, 2 to 4 describes the perilous times when people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy without love, unforgiving, slanderous without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited. Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. This dark depiction mirrors Lewis's Men Without Chests, those who prioritize self-indulgence over the genuine lovers of God. This dark depiction mirrors Lewis's men without chest, those who prioritize self-indulgence over the genuine love of good. This contrast between the call to love what is good and the description of those who are self-indulgent serves as a sobering reminder. It challenges us to examine our lives and consider whether we are truly loving what is good or merely giving up, giving, you know, lip service to, to virtue, while pursuing our own desires.

Speaker 1: 5:43

One thing that cs lewis was he. He emphasized the role of education in forming the heart. You know, cs lewis was so, so deeply concerned with the role of education in shaping not just minds but hearts. He argued that education should aim to cultivate virtuous affections In the Abolition of man. He critiques the modern educational system for failing to teach students to love what is good, true and beautiful. Education, according to Lewis, should help form individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of deep, virtuous affections. This aligns with the biblical perspective found in Deuteronomy 6, verses 6 through 7. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children, talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Teaching children to love and cherish God's commandments is central to fostering a love for goodness. Lewis's critique is particularly poignant today, as the educational systems often emphasize technical skills, knowledge of the expense of moral and emotional development. While it is essential to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in a complex world, it is equally important to cultivate their character and affections. Education should be holistic, addressing both mind and heart.

Speaker 1: 7:04

You know and you know, virtue is a journey. It's a journey of the heart. You know, understanding virtue as a journey of the heart rather than merely as an intellectual exercise reshapes how we approach our spiritual lives. It's about more than knowing the right thing to do. It's about cultivating a deep love for doing what is right.

Speaker 1: 7:25

James Smith, in his book you Are what you Love, the Spiritual Power of Habit echoes this sentiment. He emphasizes that our habits shape our hearts and our hearts in turn shape our actions. Smith writes Jesus is a teacher who doesn't just inform our intellect but forms our very loves. He isn't content to simply deposit new ideas into your mind. He's after nothing less than your wants, your loves, your longings. This perspective is liberating because it acknowledges that our journey towards virtue is not about achieving perfection but about continually shaping our hearts to align more closely with the love of God.

Speaker 1: 8:01

You know it's a process of transformation where our loves and desires are gradually reordered through the practices we engage in and the community we surround ourselves with. You know we have to cultivate a heart for goodness. So the question is, how do we cultivate a heart that loves what is good? It begins with a deliberate focus on aligning our hearts with God's desires. Psalm 37, 4 encourages take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. When we delight in God, our hearts naturally begin to align with his and our love for goodness grows. Practically, this involves engaging in spiritual disciplines that foster love for God and his ways. You know, regular prayer, meditation and scripture and participation in just communal worship are vital practices. These disciplines help to shape our affections, steering them towards the good.

Speaker 1: 8:56

Prayer is particularly powerful in shaping our hearts. It is not merely a list of requests, but a conversation with God that allows us to align our hearts with his will. Through prayer, we express our love for God, seek his guidance and allow his presence to transform us from within. Meditation in scripture helps us to internalize God's word and applies it to our lives. As we reflect on the truths of the Bible, our hearts are often softened and our minds renewed. Joshua 1.8 instructs keep this book of the law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. This verse highlights the importance of continuous engagement with God's word in shaping our hearts and actions.

Speaker 1: 9:46

There's a big role that community has in shaping men and women and just Christians, and shaping our hearts. You know, community plays a real, big, crucial role in shaping it. Hebrews 10, verses 24 and 25 remind us, and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching, surrounding ourselves with others who love goodness, can encourage us to cultivate similar affections. The christian community provides accountability, support and encouragement and encouragement. It is within the context of relationships that we can grow and be challenged to live out our faith authentically.

Speaker 1: 10:31

The early church, as described in Acts 2, 42 through 47, exemplified this communal life. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. They broke bread in their homes and eat together with glad and sincere hearts, praising god and enjoying their favor. You know, just enjoying the favor of all the people. You know this vibrant community life nurtured their love for god and one and you know, and just the love of one another. You know a few examples of virtuous living are powerful motivators. Like the Apostle Paul understood this well In 1 Corinthians 11.1,. He urged Follow my example, as I follow the examples of Christ.

Speaker 1: 11:13

Seeing goodness in action inspires us to develop a heart that loves what is good. We can look to the lives of all the saints, the historical figures, the contemporary role models who embody virtue, who aspire us to cultivate. Their stories serve as a you know, as a reminder that living a life of virtue is possible and desirable. For instance, you know there are many people that we know, that have become, you know, just, people that we look and say, oh man, they're just. You know, they have this thing about them that shows the love of God, you know, and just. For instance, the life of Mother Teresa, you know, known for her profound love and selfless service to the poor. You know that challenges us to move beyond mere knowledge of goodness to a deep, sacrificial love for others. You know. Consider also someone in your life who embodies these virtues. Maybe it's a grandparent, a teacher or a pastor or a friend who constantly shows love, patience and kindness. Reflecting on the example, they can provide inspiration and a concrete picture of what it means to live a life full of love for goodness.

Speaker 1: 12:22

Then there's the danger that we have to overcome that self-indulgent heart. Overcoming self-indulgence requires a transformative change of the heart. This transformation is beautifully described in ezekiel 36 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove you from a heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. You know, this promise of a new heart is the foundation for true change, moving from self indulgence to a sincere love for what is good. You know, this transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit, who renews and restores our hearts. Titus 3, 5-6 explains he saves us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit who poured out on us generally through Jesus Christ, our Savior. As we yield to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, our hearts are softened and our desires are realigned with god's purpose. Now, this is not a one-time event but a continual process of growth and renewal. Each day we have the opportunity to submit our hearts to god, allowing him to shape us, mold us. Through this ongoing relationship with him, our hearts are gradually transformed.

Speaker 1: 13:23

You know it's a journey, the journey towards wholeness. You know, the journey from being men without chests to individuals with hearts full of love for the good is one of the transformations. You know, and intentionally. It's about recognizing the importance of aligning our affections with our knowledge and allowing our love of goodness to drive our actions. You know, in this journey we're not alone. God's promise to transform our hearts, the encouragement from our community and the examples of virtuous living all guide us towards becoming people who not only know what is good but love it deeply. This journey is a lifelong journey and involves continual growth and renewal. Philippians 1, 6 reassures us. Being confident of this, he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion, until the day of Christ Jesus. God is faithful to complete the work he has started in us, molding us into the image of his son.

Speaker 1: 14:20

You know there are a couple of practical steps that we can use to possibly cultivate some virtue, to practically cultivate a heart that loves goodness. Consider these steps. Let's see if they work for you. Great, if not just meditate on them. I I hope they, you know, help you out. You know.

Speaker 1: 14:38

Engage in regular prayer. You know. Develop a consistent prayer life where you communicate with god, seek his will and align your heart with his desires. Meditate on scripture. Spend time daily reading and reflecting on the bible, allowing it's Bible, allowing its truths to shape your thoughts and actions. Another one is participate in community. Join a local church or small group where you can find support, accountability and encouragement in your spiritual journey, and then follow virtuous examples, identify and learn from individuals who embody virtue.

Speaker 1: 15:15

Virtue, you know. Christ, obviously, uh embodies the ultimate virtue. But there are people that we know pastors, preachers, authors. You know um virtues. You know that aspire you to cultivate. You know, read biographies, listen to sermons, seek mentorship. And you know, practice gratitude, cultivate a habit of gratitude, regularly reflecting on giving thanks for the goodness in your life. Gratitude shifts your focus from self-indulgence to appreciation of God's blessing.

Speaker 1: 15:39

Serve others Actively, seek opportunities to serve others, putting your love for goodness into practice. Service helps to align your heart with God's love for humanity. Reflect your actions Regularly, examine your actions and motivations, seeking to identify areas where your heart needs alignment. You know where your heart needs. You know realignment. Actually, you know, confess and repent of any self-indulgent um behaviors and then, last, cultivate joy and journey. You know it's a journey. Find the joy in the process of growth and transformation. You know, celebrate the small victories and be patient with yourself as you grow. Philippians 4 4 encourages rejoicing the lord always. I will say it again rejoice. Joy fuels our journey and sustains us through the challenges. Now, as we wrap up, let's consider how we can move from being men without chest to individuals, hearts full of love for the good. This transformation is not just about knowing what is right, but about fostering a of love for the good. This transformation is not just about knowing what is right, but about fostering a genuine love for goodness and shape our actions for our lives.

Speaker 1: 16:39

Now let's revisit a few more scriptures that emphasize the importance of the heart. Psalm 51, 10 says create in me a pure heart, oh god, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. This verse highlights the need for a heart that is continually being purified and renewed by God. Another powerful reminder comes from Matthew 5.8. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Purity of the heart is a key aspect of our relationship with God, allowing us to truly experience his presence in our lives. And finally, proverbs 3.5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lead not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him and he will make your path straight. Trusting God with all our hearts means surrendering our desires and aligning them with his will as we seek to cultivate a heart that loves goodness.

Speaker 1: 17:30

Let us take some time for personal reflection. Think about the areas in your life where you might be knowing the good but not truly loving it. Are there places where self-indulgence has crept in? How can you realign your heart with God's desires? You know one of the things consider journaling about these distractions and praying for God's guidance in these areas. Share your journey with a trusted friend or a mentor who can provide support and accountability.

Speaker 1: 17:54

You know, to close out, the challenge of being men without chests is a call to rediscover our heart of virtue. It's a call to move beyond mere knowledge of the good. It's to believe in a heartfelt love. By aligning our hearts with God's desires, engaging in spiritual discipline, fostering community and following virtuous examples, we can cultivate a heart that truly loves what is good. You know, let us embrace this journey, allowing our love for goodness to transform our lives and the world and everyone around us, and showing the change and the love that Christ puts in our heart, to show the world that Christ is real and that the heart does change and you feel different and you understand the goodness of Christ. You know, for loving what is good we find true fulfillment and reflect the very heart of God.

Speaker 1: 18:45

Let's close in prayer. Dear Lord, thank you for this time together and for the insights we've gained. Today we ask that you continue to work in our hearts, shaping us into people who love and pursue goodness with all our being. Help us to apply these truths in our daily lives and to encourage others in their journeys towards virtue. May your spirit guide us and may our lives be a reflection of your love and goodness. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. Thank you all for joining me today on the Crossing Cup Podcast. I hope you guys enjoyed this and, if you do, please leave a message, send me some information that you would like, any topics you would like for me to do. I do this for the love of God and to show people that Christ can change you and just faith and belief is very important in our lives. So again, thank you for joining me today and until next time, stay blessed and keep pursuing God and good. Be blessed.